MAC Matte Lipstick, $18.50

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MAC

“I’m not one to splurge, but MAC Matte Lipsticks are worth their price tag. My favorites are Mehr and MAC Red. They’re super long-lasting, they never make my lips feel dry, and they always fade nicely and evenly as I drink coffee and eat snacks.” – Paige, 22, Staten Island, New York

Too Faced ‘Melted Matte’ Liquid Lipstick, $21

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, $20

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Kat Von D

“Kat Von D Tattoo Liner (hands down) – it’s $20, which may seem unnecessary compared to $6 or $7 drugstore versions; however, it’s the only eyeliner for drawing wings/cat eyes that will last all day; it’s waterproof; and the pen’s brush tip is the best (it’s like a pointed felt tip but better, the end never gets dry or frayed).” – Marissa, 22, New Jersey

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, from $27

Clinique Superbalanced Makeup Foundation, $27

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Clinique

Shona, 32 from London, called this Clinique pick “a great foundation,” and Ali, 27 from London, agreed, adding that it’s “lightweight and glowy, and feels light on your skin.”

Jennifer, 25 from New York City, said that a good foundation is worth the splurge. “Foundation that seamlessly matches your skin tone and texture is super important for a flawless look, and you tend to get what you pay for. Most other products like mascara and lipstick are just as good quality at lower prices, but foundation is usually better quality when it’s higher-end.”

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, $30

Bare Minerals Loose Powder Matte Foundation with SPF 15, $31

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BareMinerals

“BareMinerals foundation may not be the most expensive product on the market but within my budget, it’s the one beauty item I splurge on. Finding a foundation that doesn’t look cake-y, has SPF protection, and gives me a natural look is worth spending money on.” – Corina, 24, Queens, NYC

Dior Addict Lip Glow in ‘Coral Glow’, $34

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, $34

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Fenty Beauty

“I am a huge believer in not being cheap when it comes to your skin, and since moisturizer and foundation are the first two layers that shield your skin from every other product, these are super important. I use Fenty for going out at night (dinner, bars, etc).” – Katya, 22, New Jersey

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF 50+, $38

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Macy’s

“This isn’t luxury, per se, but it is more expensive than a drugstore product. IT Cosmetics CC cream is such a great foundation for anyone with redness. The formula instantly cancels out any discoloration and leaves the skin looking glowy and even. IT Cosmetics could have a better, more inclusive color range, but for me and my skin tone, the product is worth the higher price tag.” – Julia, 24, New York City

Caudalie Instant Detox Mask, $39

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Caudalie

“Spend a bit extra on a good face mask which will be a weekly or bi-weekly treat and last a while. I love the Caudalie detox mask, which gives you that squeaky-clean feeling without drying out your skin.” – Ali, 27, London

Aesop’s Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant, $40

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Aesop

“The perfect exfoliant that smells incredible and leaves your skin feeling polished. Mix it with a few drops of Aesop Parsley Seed Face Oil. They cost £67 ($87) together but will last around a year.” – Rosie, 29, London

Glamglow’s Supermud Clearing Treatment, $45.92

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, $48

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Summer Fridays

“After washing your face it just makes your skin look and feel amazing – you can use it as a mask, or daily moisturizer. I have combo skin and it eats it up without being too much, and ladies with dry skin as well, it helps a lot.” – Mikala, 25, Los Angeles

Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, $49

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NARS

Shona, 32 from London, said: “No makeup, serum, or cream should need to be very expensive, but perhaps a foundation that matches your skin tone, if you wear foundation. It looks awful even if it’s only slightly wrong.”

She added that NARS’ Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation is “great for darker skintones.”

Urban Decay Naked3 Palette, $54

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Urban Decay

“Urban Decay Naked Palettes are amazing. They stay on your eye-lids all day (especially with the primer), there are so many shades to play with so you can create tons of different looks, and the palette lasts for years.” – Rachel, 26, London

“I love Elizabeth Arden’s Visible Difference and use it daily. My grandmother, my mum, and I all use it. People have said my gran looks like she could be my mum, and my mum looks like she could be my sister, so I don’t plan on giving up this moisturizer anytime soon.” – Chloe, 28, New York City

Tatcha: The Rice Polish Classic, $65

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Tatcha

“I think if you can splurge on good skin care I would recommend it. I would say a good exfoliator, like the Tatcha rice enzyme powder, or a good moisturizer, like the Tatcha water cream, are essentials for me!” – Natalie, 32, Brooklyn

Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, from $65

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Vintner’s Daughter

“I usually overspend on serums and moisturizers and underspend on makeup. I’d rather prioritize my skin in the long run than what I look like on an average day. I currently use Vintner’s Daughter, though I’ve also used Kiehl’s nighttime serum before and liked that too.” – Megan, 30, New York City

Chanel Chance Eau Tendre, from $85

“It’s hard to find one that’s perfect, and it’s worth the money if it will make you feel great! On that note, if there’s something else that makes you feel your best, I’d say that type of product is worth your biggest investment. There’s no sense in spending on something you’re not excited to use.

“I personally use Chanel Chance, Eau Tendre. The Chance line has a ton of different scents, though, so I guess I would recommend someone going through the line to find what suits them best.”

La Femme Prada Eau de Parfum Spray, from $98

Dior One Essential Skin Boosting Super Serum, from $100

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Macy’s

“A good serum. I love this one – it’s not cheap, however, it’s the one thing I’ll splurge on, because I noticed such a difference in both my own complexion (less acne, brighter and smoother skin tone) and dry skin (especially on my nose) once I started using it.” – Hilary, 33, New York City

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment, $105

De Mamiel Exhale Daily Hydrating Nectar, $128

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Beauty Heroes

“Tinted SPF moisturiser is worth investing in. I don’t use foundation as I don’t like spending too long or putting too much product on my face, so this product kills two birds in one stone. Also, you only really need it once a day so you can leave it at home.

“I’ve been using one from De Mamiel for the past few months. It’s worth the splurge as they surprisingly last for ages.” – Alex, 26, London